While some parts of the UK have child poverty levels approaching 50 per cent, Elmbridge is among the 20 with the lowest levels.

The figures, published by the End Child Poverty campaign, show the borough as a whole has 13 per cent of children in poverty, with individual wards ranging from 6.16 per cent to 26.67 per cent.

In 2013 figures showed Walton North had the highest level of children in poverty, with 25 per cent affected.

The ward has since seen a slight increase, sitting now at 26.67 per cent.

A council spokesman said: "For areas like Elmbridge, there may be a misconception that poverty is not an issue. However, for a small number of households in the borough it is a day-to-day challenge.

"Elmbridge has small areas where unemployment and low incomes coupled with other social issues mean that households are often reliant upon public services to get by."

The ward of Molesey East had the lowest levels, with 6.16 per cent living below the poverty line.

David Holmes, chairman of the campaign, said: "These figures reveal just how widely and deeply child poverty reaches into our communities, even those area generally regarded as well off.

"Poverty ruins childhoods and reduces life chances. Failing to invest properly in children is a false economy, already child poverty costs the country £29bn each year and in the long run taxpayers will foot an even higher bill for correcting the damage."